“Lafayette Reservoir is the backyard fishing hole and recreation area for folks in Lafayette and Orinda. It should be on the map for anybody in the Bay Area for its beauty, good fishing and picnic sites. The 126-acre lake is the centerpiece of a 925-acre recreation area, tucked in a valley surrounded by pretty foothills. A multi-use trail circles the lake.”

“The Lakeside Nature Trail is a 2.7-mile route that is mostly flat, paved and circles the lake, with occasional views of the lake through the vegetation. Locals use the route for short walks, easy bike trips with kids, a jogging route, even strollers with infants. It links to the more ambitious Rim Trail.” *1

Begin this walk from Village Center off Mt Diablo Blvd in Lafayette. Parking is free and it’s a short walk up along the Shore Trail to the parking lot at Lafayette Reservoir.

lafayette reservoir

lafayette reservoir

lafayette reservoir

lafayette reservoir

lafayette creek

The paved Lakeside Nature Trail is a relatively flat 2.7 miles around the reservoir. The trail goes along the manicured lawns and picnic areas as it travels counter-clockwise around the lake.

nature trail

nature trail

nature trail

nature trail

nature trail

nature trail

nature trail

nature trail

nature trail

The trail cuts in and out of the shaded woodland on gentle terrain with the occasional glimpse of the reservoir.

nature trail

nature trail

nature trail

nature trail

nature trail

nature trail

The Lakeside Nature Trail leads to the large picnic area at the east end of the lake adjacent to the playground area.

nature trail

nature trail

nature trail

nature trail

nature trail

Lafayette Reservoir

lafayette reservoir

lafayette reservoir

lafayette reservoir

lafayette reservoir

lafayette reservoir

lafayette reservoir

lafayette reservoir

lafayette reservoir

This a beautiful easy walk around the reservoir with wonderful views of the lake. Water fountains and restrooms are scattered throughout the 2.7-mile trail making it very doable for everyone! We did a double loop; beginning counter-clockwise and going in the reverse direction back to the parking lot area-it’s a very enjoyable walk in both directions and a low-key alternative to riding a bike on wet roads.

*1 From http://www.sfgate.com/outdoors/sundaydrive/article/Lafayette-Reservoir-not-just-for-locals-4489457.php